Photography News Issue 59

This month saw not one, but two new full-frame mirrorless systems, with Canon and Nikon introducing the R and Z respectively. We give them a first look in this issue and test the Panasonic Lumix GX9 in the field. Also in this issue, find the core techniques you need for street photography and hear from photographer Jerry Webb about his mono conversions.

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Seven readers use the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II to shoot pictures good enough for this month’s front cover

Photography News | Issue 59 | photographynews.co.uk

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“To have my picture on the front cover has absolutely blown me away and made my day, I can’t stop smiling. To be published on the front cover of such an illustrious magazine is a privilege and the start of more to come, I hope. “Thank you to PN , Olympus, Jay and Tara for giving me this opportunity. “I’m already an Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II owner but I still wanted to attend the event. The day was a huge success because I could trial more lenses and the Olympus team gave me plenty of advice and showed me where to set up various settings in the menu, ie. back button focus. “A few minutes with the OM-D E-M1 Mark II and I was up and running. The camera has so much potential and far exceeds the capabilities of my full-frame DSLR in terms of functions. The five-axis IS is stunning, which together with the 60fps shooting rate opens up opportunities for low-light sports and wildlife images. “For portrait work the ability tomove the focal point to the right place was good. I adapted the camera for back button focusing, too, which is what I amused to. “I used nine lenses during the day from the 7-14mm fisheye zoom to the superb 300mm f/4 prime. I was surprised at the image quality from the 12-40mm f/2.8 lens. The 45mm f/1.2 is a lovely lens but focus on the leading eye is hyper-critical with such a shallow depth-of-field at its wide aperture settings. The diminutive 45mm f/1.8 does a great job for the money and it’s so

I am continually amazed at what the OM-D E-M1 Mark II has to offer. “I’ve recently moved to Olympus from a full-frame DSLR. Last year, I went on holiday with my full-frame camera and some lenses, which was a mistake because it was so big and heavy. Then I happened to read a profile on a professional photographer who had switched from full- frame, so I did the same going to the OM-D E-M1 Mark II. Everything on the body is within reach and the two- way function lever means I can shoot without having to take my eye away from the viewfinder – and I can see the result in the viewfinder, too.”

Alan Gordon

Clive Trusler

“Firstly, just to say thanks to Olympus for providing the opportunity. I’m not sure that many other m a n u f a c t u r e r s provide such support and encouragement for their customers. “I’ve owned Olympus cameras for seven years and recently upgraded to the OM-D E-M1 Mark II because it is so good. It is a complex camera and whatever you want to throw at it there is a way of setting it up to cope with the situation. You have the whole package in one camera and now I have five lenses, yet the whole lot fits in one case for travel.”

light. The 60mm macro 2.8 also doubles up as a very creditable portrait lens and makes for some interesting facial detail shots – so this is a really good-value alternative. “The OM-D E-M1 Mark II was a delight to use and the overall impression is of a professional camerawithunexploredpotential and performance.”

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On test: Panasonic GX9 Compact, feature packed and a great price See page 32 Fujifilm’s new generation With a new sensor, new processor and the fastest AF so far seen in a Fujifilm X-series camera, the X-T3 kicks off Fujifilm’s fourth generation with a bang Camera school Using polarisers – all you need to know See page 43 Street style Tips froma pro for street shots to be proud of Starting page 19

The two giants have finally gone mirrorless with new mounts and lens systems, while still keeping a close eye on their SLR heritage… continue reading on pages 4, 5 and 6 full-frame mirrorless Canon and Nikon go

When a camera maker takes an existing model name and adds Mark II after it, you know the changes are minor. But when the model number changes you know you are in for a serious uplift, and that certainly seems the case with the Fujifilm X-T3. It is the first Fujifilm X-series mirrorless camera with a backside illuminated sensor (BSI) and it embraces its innovative X-Trans technology. So its photosite layout is in a 6x6 configuration rather than 2x2 to defeat moir and false colours without the need for an image quality-sapping optical low pass filter.

Add the powerful new Processor 4 imaging engine, which is three times faster than current models, and you know the X-T3 is going to be a camera to be reckoned with. Fujifilm says its autofocus is 1.5x faster and significantly more accurate in terms of fast subject tracking, face and eye detection and in low-light situations. Significant advances in the X-T3’s video skills, a body refresh and a higher-resolution electronic viewfinder are other headline features of the new camera.

fujifilm.eu/uk Seemore on page 3

Photography News | Issue 59 | photographynews.co.uk

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Fujifilm’s newgeneration Price £1349 body only Sensor

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The Fujifilm X-T3 is the fourth generation interchangeable lens X-series camera, and at its heart is a new, 26-megapixel backside illuminated X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor. The X-Trans technology means the sensor features Fujifilm’s 6x6 photosite array that defeats moire without the need for an optical low pass filter, and gives full- frame quality from an APS-C size unit. Being a BSI design – the first X-series camera with a BSI sensor – means light delivery to the recording pixels is more efficient, so this should mean ISO performance is better than ever before in a Fujifilm camera, for exceptional image quality across the ISO range. The sensor’s surface includes four times more phase detection pixels – 2.16 million – compared withprevious cameras, coveringalmost thewhole frame to give superior all-round AF performance even in very poor light. The AF system is rated at -3EV, so will work with scenes lit by candlelight. More AF benefits are possible because image processing is handled by the new X Processor 4 that features four CPUs, to deliver a processing speed three times faster than current models. Thus, AF speed is said to be 1.5x quicker than current models and will deliver greater accuracy and better eye/face detection (eye detect is now possible with continuous AF). Improved phase detection algorithms mean AF tracking of quick- moving subjects during continuous shooting is significantly enhanced. The X Processor 4 also enablesaworldfirst:theX-T3isthefirstmirrorless APS-C or format camera to give 4K/60P 4:2:0 10- bit output recorded to internal SD card. HDMI output is available simultaneously.

26.1-megapixels, BSI X-Trans CMOS 4 with X-Processor 4 image engine Sensor format 23.5x15.6mm (APS-C), 6240x4160pixels ISO range 160-12,800, expandable to equivalent ISO 80, 100, 125, 25,600, 51,200 Shutter range 15mins-1/8000sec, 4secs to 1/32,000sec (electronic shutter), Bmode up to 60mins, 1/250sec flash sync Drive modes Up to 30fps (with electronic shutter, 1.25x crop) up to 60 frames burst in lossless Raw compression. 20fps whole APS-C format, up to 34 frames uncompressed Raw Metering system 256-zone metering with multi, spot, average and centre-weighted Exposure modes PASM Exposure compensation +/-5EV, AEB up to nine frames Monitor 3in, 1040k dots touchscreen showing 100% of image Viewfinder 3.69million dots OLED EVF Focusing Intelligent hybrid AF with single, continuous and manual focus modes Video DCI 4K (4096x2160), 4K (3940x2160), full HD Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI type D Storage media Two slots: SD/SDHC/SDXC Dimensions (wxhxd) 132.5x92.8x58.8mm Weight 539g body with battery and card Contact fujifilm.eu/uk

Above The X-T3 is the first FujifilmX-series model to have a backside illuminated sensor.

Fujifilm’s popular Film Simulation modes also benefit from the new processor, and the X-T3 is the first X-series with Color Chrome (from the medium-format GFX 50S). There is ETERNA cinema mode and more adjustability with the standard monochrome and ACROS modes. The EVF has a 3.69million dot LCD with a 0.005sec time lag and 100fps refresh rate that helps accurate framing of moving subjects, while a new Sports finder mode means you can see subjects before they enter the shot. There is also a digital microprismmanual focus assist feature. For action shooters, the X-T3 can work at 30fps (with a 1.25x image crop) with AF and AE

tracking, while the effect of rolling shutter has been halved compared with existing models. There is a Pre Shot feature (with a 1.25x image crop and electronic shutter) where the camera starts shooting up to 20 shots with partial depression of the shutter release and up to 20 more when the shutter release is fully depressed. Other benefits include a lockable dioptre adjustment knob, larger control and mode dials, and a more intuitive touchscreen. The Fujifilm X-T3 is available from 20 September in black or silver, with a body price of £1349 or £1699 with the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens. The optional MHG-XT3 grip is £299.

Hands onwithAdamDuckworth

If you are used to the handling of any of Fujifilm’s recent cameras then it’s fair to say you will have no problems getting to grips with the new X-T3. The body may now be a four-piece design and some of the control dials have been altered, but the camera is the same size and has the same controls Fujifilm users are used to.

If you have a background in old-school film SLRs then you’ll have no issues either, thanks to the traditional layout with knurled control rings for ISO and shutter speed. Even users of modern DSLRs with swoopy plastic bodies will have little trouble adapting to the retro-style controls as the X-T3 can be customised to work like a Nikon or Canon, with two control wheels changing major settings. It remains a cool-looking camera that is simple to use, quickly and efficiently. Add on the new and slightly larger battery grip and it feels far better balanced with larger lenses. It’s a shame there is no dedicated AF-ON button on the back for back-button focusing, however.

In terms of actually using the camera, little has changed from the X-T2. But internally it’s a whole new camera, based around a brand new 26.1-megapixel backside illuminated sensor with a much faster processor, allowing a huge boost in speed, focus and video spec. The super-fast sensor readout has enabled huge changes in the AF system, which now has 425 phase detect autofocus points that give 99% coverage when using single-point AF, and focuses down to -3EV, two stops better than the X-T2. Fujifilm says it focuses 1.5 times faster than the X-T2, has improved face detection and now has eye detection in continuous focusing. In use it certainly locked

on well to static subjects, even in darkened rooms. When shooting carsatspeed,itoccasionallyhunted a little when I first half-pressed the shutter, but quickly acquired and locked on focus. The AF is adjustable for tracking speed and sensitivity, with different presets for different types of action, and these make a big difference to how the AF performs. The new 100fps viewfinder – the same as on the flagship X-H1 –

has a tiny bit of lag but is still quick enough to make sports shooting easy. Action is helped by the frame rate as it rattles through at 11fps with continuous AF using the mechanical shutter, but switch to the electronic shutter and it leaps to up to 20fps. Checking out the JPEG files, the colours are bold even in standard setting. The noise is very well controlled and the files are detailed and sharp.

Photography News | Issue 59 | photographynews.co.uk

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Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless system unveiled After much rumour-mongering, video teasers and crystal ball gazing, the Nikon Z system is finally here

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Prices Z 7 body £3399; Z 7 with 24-70mm f/4 kit £3999; Z 7 with FTZ adapter kit £3499; Z 7 with 24-70mm and FTZ adapter kit £4099. Lenses 50mm f/1.8 S £599; 35mm f/1.8 S £849; 24-70mm f/4 £999; FTZ adapter £269 Sensor 45.7-megapixels BSI CMOS sensor Sensor format 35mm full-frame 35.9x23.9mm, 8256x5504pixels ISO range 64-25,600 (expandable to ISO 32 and 104,800 equivalent) Shutter range 30secs to 1/8000sec plus B, flash sync at 1/200sec Drive modes Fastest rate 9fps Metering system Matrix, centre-weighted, spot, highlight weighted Exposure modes PASM Exposure compensation +/-5EV Monitor 2.1m dot tilting 3.2in touch screen, 100% frame coverage Viewfinder 3.6m dot EVF Focus points 493 phase detect points in single AF covering 90% of the image area – usable in single-point, pinpoint, dynamic area, wide area, auto area Video 4K UHD 3840x2190 at 30p, 25p, 24p. 1920x1080 at 120p, 100p, 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI-C, USB-C Other key features Five-axis image sensor shift IS Battery EN-EL15b (USB) rechargeable, EN- EL15a can be used but with lower capacity and no USB recharging Storage media 1x XQD slot Dimensions (wxhxd) 134x100.5x67.5mm Weight 675g body with battery and card Contact nikon.co.uk

The launch of a new camera is a special event; the launch of a whole new camera system is up another notch, especially when it is something as eagerly anticipated as the Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless system. Now it’s here. Has the wait been worth it? Well, that depends on your perspective. If you’ve wanted to go mirrorless and were frustratedbyNikon’s inactivity, then you have already switched. And if you’ve hung on in the hope that Nikon would eventually go mirrorless with something worth waiting for, then your patience might well have been rewarded. TheZ 6andZ 7arethetwocameras that were announced, together with three lenses and a lens adapter, and just to show its commitment to its new enterprise, Nikon also revealed a lens roadmap that takes the system up to 2020. There is no doubt that Nikon is taking the Z system very seriously and its stated aim is to regain the number one spot in the full-frame camera market. Kicking off this mission are two physically identical bodies that have different specs; an exciting move which gives prospective Z owners a choice. The Z 6 (what happened to the Z 1 and Z 2?) is the entry-level model with a 24.5-megapixel resolution, an ISO 100-51,200 range (expandable After going hands on with the new cameras and lenses, I was impressed without being blown away. A full-frame Nikon mirrorless body has been a long time coming and the Z 6 and Z 7 seem to match the competition in most areas. That said, who cares about the competition? The first thing a Nikon mirrorless camera needs to do is hold onto the faithful who might well wander off to Sony’s A7R III. The good news for Nikonians is that the Z 6 and Z 7 feel like proper photographic tools. They’re not flimsy pieces of tech. They seemed to handle beautifully, and I was instantly at home with the layout and menus. The only head scratcher was working out where

to ISO 50 and up to 204,800 equivalent), 273 AF points covering 90% of the image area and a top shooting speed of 12fps. No Z 6 samples were at the launch so the floor was left to the Z 7. This

boasts a 45.7-megapixel CMOS sensor, an ISO range of 64-25,600 (expandable to 32-102,400), a phase detect 493 AF point system covering 90% of the image and a top 9fps shooting rate.

Shared system features include a high-resolution EVF, tilting touch monitor, robust weatherproof build, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity and the new EXPEED 6 processing engine. The Z system is the first from

Hands onwithKingsleySingleton

the AF mode selector had been moved to. Eventually I found it mapped to the Fn2 button by the lens. Problem solved. The EVF seemed excellent, and that’s a big deal, as screens have always been second best to optical for me. Also impressive was the focusing speed. My D850 is no slouch, but there are benefits to a hybrid AF system that a DSLR simply can’t replicate. I’m hoping it’ll solve the perennial problem of keeping pace with an on-rushing spaniel. The smaller size and weight of the new cameras is good, but it’s not vital for me, bad back or not, and I’d still have to carry my wide and telephoto lenses plus the FTZ adapter now, anyway, so it’s a moot point.

Battery life and the single card slots are a worry. Won’t the benefit of less weight be taken up by carrying extra spare cells? I’ve also go used to dual card slots, so I’m reluctant to go back to just one. Overall though, the Z system cameras and lenses really

impressed me, and particularly so considering the engineering of a new lens mount. Nikon has hopefully future-proofed itself with the bigger mount when it couldhave just lobbed amirrorless set-up behind the F mount. The benefits could be huge.

Photography News | Issue 59 | photographynews.co.uk

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Nikon’s tiny long telephoto

Although the Z system was the main launch for Nikon back in August, the company also introduced a super compact long telephoto lens, the AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR with a guide price of £3699. The use of a Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element has enabled the designers to produce a really compact lens for its focal length. This 500mm weighs 1460g which is roughly the same weight as Nikon’s 70- 200mm f/2.8 and half the weight of a typical 500mm lens. The lens also features a Vibration Reduction system with a 4EV benefit.

Above Nikon has worked hard on the ergonomics of the Z system so the initial impressions of handling are very positive.

Nikon to feature a body-integral VR system that works in five-axes and gives a claimed 5EV benefit. The Z system is based on the new Z lens mount which is wider (it has a 55mm inner diameter) than the existing Nikon F mount and can thus allow faster maximum aperture lenses. A 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is already in development. For the legions of existing Nikon owners the accessory FTZ lens adapter, which is in effect a posh extension tube, allows their existing lenses to be fitted to Z cameras with AE or full AF/AE compatibility

I really loved how the Z 7 felt and handled. I have a D850 and the Z 7 has the same solid feel. The handgrips and control layout are not a million miles apart and I think I could happily use them side-by-side and not struggle finding the right control or menu item. The EVF is excellent, truly impressive. I did direct side-by- side comparisons with a couple of high-end mirrorless cameras and the Nikon Z 7's EVF was clearly superior to my eyes. I know some people will still bemoan the fact that it is not an optical finder, but they really need to get over themselves. In the less than perfect lighting of the launch venue the AF was slick, responsive and accurate. Fitting an 85mm f/1.8 and FTZ adapter showed no obvious deterioration in AF performance. Promising signs here, and it is great to have a Nikon with a focusing area that almost fills the full-frame format. The single XQD card slot is a – obviously this depends on the specific lens. With the FTZ, lenses without Nikon’s Vibration Reduction system will benefit from the VR system within the camera; those with it will get both lens and camera VR working together. So far, we haven’t mentioned video capabilities and yes, the Z system is well endowed here too. The Z 6 and Z 7 allow 4K UHD (3840x2160) 30p movies as well as Full HD/120p movies. Movie shooting is possible with electronic VR, Active D-lighting and focus peaking, plus there is

timecode support and N-Log with 10-bit HDMI output (to an external memory device). The Z 7 will be on sale first from late September onwards. The body only costs £3399, with the 24-70mm f/4 £3999 and the kit with the 24- 70mm and FTZ adapter £4099. The Z 6willbeonsalelaterintheautumn, again in various packages. The body only price is £2099, with 24-70mm f/4 £2699, with 24-70mm f/4 and FTZ adapter £2799. The Z lens prices are: 50mm f/1.8 £599, 35mm f/1.8 £849, 24-70mm f/4 £999 and FTZ adapter £269.

Hands onwithWill Cheung

I’ve proffered the view to anyone who cared to listen that I thought Canon and Nikon were making a mistake in not going for full-frame mirrorless earlier, but then who knew Sony would do such a great job with its products? So good, in fact, that many long-term Canikon devotees are defecting to the

electronics giant. Consequently, Canikon are playing catch-up. However, as a Nikon owner, I have to say that first impressions are that it has done a great job with the Z system. I am not saying the Z 6 or Z 7 are Sony killers, but they could keep Nikon owners who are keen to go mirrorless, loyal.

slight concern. I do like the belts and braces of two card slots, but the XQD card design is physically more robust than SD which might help mitigate any concerns. Maybe. XQD card prices coming down would be nice, though. Of course, what is important is image quality and this is something I can’t comment on. At the press launch, we could take shots but not on our own cards so we were

left to check our shots on camera monitors which really tell us little. We were shown projected images shot on the Z 7, the D850 and some unnamed rivals, and the Z 7 shots were – surprise, surprise – clearly superior. But then you don’t spend millions on a new product (be it a camera or a cola) and show it being inferior to the opposition at launch, do you? So, we’ll see – and I for one, can’t wait!

Photography News | Issue 59 | photographynews.co.uk

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Canon joins the full-frame mirrorless club

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EOS R prices

Sensor 30.3 megapixels, CMOS Sensor format

• •

EOS R body £2349.99

EOS R with RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM and EF-EOS R mount adapter kit £3269.99 RF 50mm f/1.2L USM £2349.99 (below left) RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM £1119.99 (below right) EF-EOS Rmount adapter £99.99 Control mount ring adapter EF-EOS R £199.99 Available fromDecember 2018 • RF 28-70mm f/2L USM lens £3049.99 • RF 35mm f/1.8 macro IS STM lens £519.99 • • • •

35mm full-frame, 6720x4480pixels ISO range 100-40,000 (expandable 50 to 102,400) Shutter range 30secs to 1/8000sec, flash sync 1/200sec Drive modes 8fps with fixed focus, 5fps with AF tracking Metering system 384 multi-zone, centre-weighted, spot, partial Exposure modes PASM Exposure compensation +/-3EV Monitor 3.2in articulating touchscreen, 2100k dots Viewfinder 3690K dot EVF Focusing Contrast detect (sensor), phase detect Focus points Dual Pixel CMOS AF, 5655 points Video 4k 3840x2160 @30p/24p/23.98p and 480Mbps and 120Mbps Connectivity USB 3.1, HDMI mini, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Other key features USB in-camera charging (with LP- E6N), Dual Pixel Raw support, CR3

The Canon EOS R is a completely new camera system, designed from the ground up and founded on an innovative lens mount. The RF mount has a 54mm diameter, 20mm flange back distance, and features 12 connecting pins for even greater freedom when it comes to designing lenses. The first camera in the EOS R systemis theEOSR, a30.3-megapixel model featuring the DIGIC 8 processor that offers features such as the Digital Lens Optimizer, which corrects lens aberrations. Headline features include the world’s fastest AF and amazing low light sensitivity, down to -6EV. The AFsystemfeaturesDual Pixel CMOS AF and 5655 selectable AF points with touch and drag functionality, and the ability to track at 5fps – the camera’s highest shooting rate is 8fps with fixedAF. Averyhighresolution,3.69million dots, shows 100% coverage and is optimized for low-light shooting, so

Video is featured, of course, and the EOS R can capture 4k video with 12 stops of dynamic range (at ISO 400) and 10-bit output via HDMI with Canon log. TheEOSRsystemwillfeaturefour lenses by the end of the year, with two available at launch, and the Canon mount EF-EOS R adaptor means existing EF and EF-S lenses can be used. The Canon control mount ring EF-EOS R and Canon drop-in filter mount adaptor EF-EOS R give more functions. The first two lenses on offer are the RF 50mm f/1.2LUSM(its natural perspective, L lens image quality and super-fast maximum aperture being the big selling points); and the RF 24- 105mm f/4L IS USM. The IS offers a 5EV benefit while the Nano USMAF is fast, smooth and quiet, suiting both still and video shooting. Later in the yearwewill see the RF 28-70mm f/2L USM and RF 35mm f/1.8macro IS STM. The EOS R is available to pre-order now and in the shops from 9 October.

(Raw and C-Raw) Storage media 1x SD slot Dimensions (wxhxd) 136x98x84mm Weight 660g body with battery Contact canon.co.uk

accurate composition is possible in really dark situations. The EOS R’s ergonomic design includesaweather-proofedbodywith almost every control customisable and a comfortable handgrip. Also featured is a customisable multi- function bar controlled by a slide or touchmotion. Further options are possible with all RF lenses, which will have a control ring that can be set to alter functions, such as ISO or exposure compensation, so you can adjust settings while the camera stays up to the eye.

More fromCanon

Canon also introduced three lenses this month: the world’s lightest 400mm f/2.8 and 600mm f/4 lenses for its EF lens system and, at the other extreme, a 32mm f/1.4 STM for its EOS M system. The 32mm f/1.4 STM gives an effective 51mm (35mm equivalent) focal length so makes for an ideal standard lens, giving a natural perspective. Fourteen elements

in eight groups, Super Spectra Coating, and 23cm close focusing are key attributes in this compact lens weighing just 235g. The EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM weighs 2840g (previously 3850g) while the EF 600mm f/4L IS III is 3050g (previously 3920g), and both lenses feature IS systems with 5EV benefit, new coatings and weather seals. Prices to be confirmed.

Hands onwithTerryHope

The case for full-frame mirrorless has been firmly established for some time now and it’s really good to see Nikon and now Canon finally joining the party, big time. Canon’s launch of its new R system to the UK press took place against the slightly surreal background of a theatrical leap 400 years into the future, staged by a group of actors in a cavernous Hoxton warehouse, but at least we got the opportunity to shoot the proceedings on a fully functioning camera, with the choice of any one of the four new lenses to partner it. I opted to work with the RF 24-105mm f/4L

IS USM, which is due to be the kit lens in one of the outfits Canon is offering, and it was a great all- rounder: lightweight and well balanced. Meanwhile, the dimly lit, atmospheric surroundings were a great test for the low light abilities of the outfit, and it passed with flying colours. For a start, the EVF offers incredible quality, probably the closest to an SLR direct view that I’ve seen and providing a brighter view than the eye could see – handy, given the conditions. I relied throughout on AF, and this responded in the blink of an eye, very much supporting Canon’s

assertion that it was capable of working in the darkest situations, even by candlelight if necessary. Although it wasn’t necessary in the situation I was in, I can also confirm that the camera operated in complete silence, which could be crucial for those in wedding or tense sporting situations. So quiet is the whole process that, at first, it can be difficult to believe that the shutter has actually fired, but Canon has thought this one through and there is confirmation in the viewfinder that the shot has been successfully taken. A very positive first view then, and clearly a lot of thought has

gone into what is not so much the launch of a new camera but the unveiling of what will become a complete system in time. The

signs are good and, given Canon’s pedigree, you sense they know exactly what will be required to make it all work.

Photography News | Issue 59 | photographynews.co.uk

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Panasonic goes premium Panasonic has updated its Lumix LX100 premium compact, so now we have the LX100 II. At its heart is a 21.7-megapixel sensor which gives an effective 17-megapixel file in the Micro Four Thirds format with a max file size of 4736x3552pixels. The larger sensor means you can shoot different aspect ratios while maintaining big files so you have image ratio options of 4928x3288 (3:2), 5152x2904 (16x9) and 3552x3552 (1x1). In JPEG mode you can even shoot all four image sizes in one go with format bracketing – this is essentially the camera giving all four crops in-camera from one shot. The built-in lens is a 3.1x zoom, a Leica DCVario-Summiluxwith an 11 element in eight group construction giving the 35mm format equivalent of 24-75mm with an aperture range of f/1.7-2.8. The lens features a 3cm minimum focusing distance in macromode at thewide end–normal minimum focus is 50cm. Viewing can be done via the high resolution 2760k EVF or using the fixed 3in 1240k dot touch screen.

Spec

Price

£854

Sensor 17 megapixels, 4736x3552 pixels Sensor format CMOS Micro Four Thirds, 17.3x13mm ISO range 200-25,600 (expands down to ISO 100) Shutter range 60sec-1/4000sec, 1sec-1/16,000sec with electronic shutter. Time (approx 30mins) Drive modes Continuous, up to 11fps Metering system Multi-segment, centre, spot Exposure modes PASM Exposure compensation +/-5EV Monitor Fixed 3in touch screen Viewfinder 100% coverage, 2760k dots Focusing Contrast detect. 49 points, multi area, selective single zone, centre Video 3840x2120 @30p/100Mbps, 3840x2120 @24p/100Mbps Full HD 1920x1080 Connectivity USB 2.0, HDMI micro, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Image ratios 4:3, 16:9, 1:1, 3:2 Image stabilization Yes, optical Storage media 1 SD slot Dimensions (wxhxd) 115x66x64mm Weight 392g Lens focal length 24-75mm (35mm equivalent) Maximum aperture F/1.7-2.8 Minimum focus 50cm (normal range), 3cm (macro mode) Contact panasonic.co.uk

Burst shooting at 11fps is possible in single-shot AF mode with 5.5fps in continuous AF while AF itself is done with a 49 zone system that has a selection of modes and includes Starlight AF for autofocusing on stars. For creative straight-out-of- camera JPEGs, you have the option of Panasonic’s picture-style setting and here a L.Monochrome D mode

The CMOS sensor works in conjunction with Panasonic’s Venus processor to give vibrant, realistic colours and high-quality images within the ISO 200 to 25,600 range – expansion to ISO 100 is available.

with grain effect has been added so you can adjust the setting to produce individual looking shots. Other notable features include Panasonic’s 4k photo features, Wi- Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, a

versatile exposure system including compensation up to +/-5EV and USB battery charging. The Panasonic Lumix LX100 II has a guide price of £854 and starts shipping on 1 October.

Hands on: Will Cheung I had a couple of hours on the streets of London’s East End in company with the LX100 II. In that time I shot I took 284 shots, a dozen clips of 4k video, used the monitor a great deal and did much menu scrolling. At the end the battery was still showing two bars, about 50%, which seems good to me. The option of USB charging is a great feature to have as a back-up – I think all cameras should have that option.

L. Monochrome D is a picture style filter mode that gives more options when it comes to in-camera JPEG monochrome capture. In this mode you can fine-tone contrast and tone as well as add grain. Setting the various parameter options is easy enough, is fun and there are many creative options. It is one of the most versatile JPEG modes I’ve used and that is impressive. There was nothing I didn’t like about the camera, although a tilt screen would have been nice. The £849 guide price sounds expensive for a compact, but the reality is that the LX100 II is a well specified camera with plenty of useful features that take it well beyond the realm of being a mere compact. It has massive potential and its rugged design mean it is very likely to give many years of faithful service, Overall, I was impressed with the Lumix LX100II.

For street shooting, being able to set exposure compensation quickly is important so here on the LX100 II I chose the rear lens ring to adjust compensation so it is available almost instantly with the left hand even as you shoot with the right. You also have +/- 5EV instead of +/-3EV with the actual compensation dial. Out of my test shots the camera showed itself to be very accurate with its exposure and focusing. If there were focusing errors there

were down to me. For example, I found I could move the AF point with my nose when I lifted the camera up to the eye. The LX100II has some nice trick features. I know you can crop to your heart’s content on

the computer but that LX100II has image format bracketing, although this is in JPEG only. So you can get 3:2, 16:9, 4:3 and 1:1 image formats in-camera. To be clear, it is just the camera giving different crops of the same shot.

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Professional Photo issue 150, on sale from 13 September, focuses on the world of commercial photography and how you can maximise your profits in this challenging market. InthefeatureTheBigLeap,fivephotographers working in very different fields tell their stories of how they successfully turned to commercial imaging. From what kit to use and lighting to how to follow current trends and marketing advice, everything is discussed in detail. The big launch of the month is the Nikon Z system and all you need to know is in the issue. Use the coupon opposite to buy one of two issues of Professional Photo from WHSmith and save £1 off the usual £4.75 cover price.

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DONOTMINT RETURN *This offer is subject to availability and is redeemable at WHSmith High Street Stores only. Excludes Outlet Stores, WHSmith Online, ‘Books by WHSmith’ at Selfridges, Harrods, Arnotts and Fenwicks stores, WHSmith ‘Local’ and all Travel Stores including those at airports, railways stations, motorway service stations, garden centres, hospitals and workplaces.

Photography News | Issue 59 | photographynews.co.uk

News

Thepower of small byProfoto Swedish lighting brand Profoto has enjoyed a string of successes with its innovative products, and that looks set to continue with the just announced B10.

you can fit it in your bag with the rest of your gear and because it’s cordless and lightweight, it’s easy to bring and set up anywhere. That said, this is in every way a Profoto light, so the power and quality of light is essential. “Every part of the B10 has been designed to help the photographer to be more creative with light on location. We felt that the more flexibility we built in, the more an image creator can adapt to any issues or opportunities that a location might offer.” The B10 is more than an advanced flash unit and it incorporates a continuous LED light that has brightness and colour temperature controls for maximum flexibility. And speaking of flexibility, the B10’s mount can be taken off so the unit can be attached on a standard camera tripod, and the light can continue to be used while the battery is being charged. Smart connectivity is also on offer with the Profoto app and you can control settings remotely. Finally, prices. One B10 head costs £1410 and the Duo kit is £2820 while a spare B10 li-ion battery costs £180. We’ll be testing the B10 soon.

To give the B10 some context, the existing B2 system features really small 250Ws flashheads powered via cables and a separate battery pack, while the B1X is similar in size to a typical monobloc, offers 500Ws output and is powered by an on- board rechargeable battery. The B10 offers the benefits of the B2 and B1X systems. It is a very compact 250Ws lighting unit that has an on-board rechargeable li- ion battery so has the attributes of power, portability and is cable free. Furthermore, the B10 is a fully- featured light head that meshes with existing Profoto accessories. So, the vast range of light shapers fit without the need for any adapters and you get through-the-lens flash and manual control using the AirTTL radio triggers with a 300m working range. Triggers are available for Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus and Sony camera systems. “We designed the B10 to be small,” said Göran Maren, product manager at Profoto. “Just a little bigger than a medium-sized zoom lens. That means

profoto.com

Evenmore fromNikon

Tamron’swide flagship

Tamron’s ongoing programme of updating its core lenses continues and here is the latest variant of its popular ultra-wide zoom, the SP15-30mm f/2.8 DI VC USD G2. The G2 (Generation 2) features Tamron’s new AX (Anti-reflection eXpand) coating which is designed to control light rays from the lens’s peripheral areas which can have a negative impact on image quality. Optical design has also been updated. An XGM (eXpanded Glass Molded Aspherical)

element and multiple low dispersion (LD) elements aim to limit distortion and lateral chromatic aberrations. Finally, a Dual MPU system and enhanced AF control algorithm improve AF speed and accuracy. No price for this G2 lens is available yet – the first version is currently around £910. The Nikon version is on sale from 21 September and the Canon fit option from 12 October.

Not content with launching an entirely new system this month, Nikon has also introduced an APS format DSLR, the D3500. As with its usual camera-naming protocols, the more digits in the product name the more consumer- level the product so you know by definition that the D3500 is aimed at the entry-level DSLR user.

It is 24.2-megapixel with an ISO range of 100-25,600 and the ability to shoot Full HD movies. It has a continuous shooting rate of 5fps and has good connectivity too with Snapbridge. “The D3500 is the perfect entry into the world of photography,” says Tim Carter, head of product management, Nikon Northern

Europe. “Its comfortable design and helpful shooting modes make it easy to capture images to be proud of. Plus you can connect a world of Nikon lenses to it. The D3500 with the AF-P DX 18- 55mmVR lens costs £499, and £479 with the non VR lens.

intro2020.co.uk

nikon.co.uk

Photography News | Issue 59 | photographynews.co.uk

News

Twofrom Samyang

AF14mmf/2.8 F

Samyang only had manual focus lenses a while ago, but that is changing. We now have its first AF lens for Nikon cameras. The AF 14mm f/2.8 F is available now at the price of £649.99. It features faster, more accurate and quieter AF than previous 14mm f/2.8 lenses, while its optical construction has been updated too. Two aspherical elements, four high refractive elements and one extra-low dispersion glass element feature in its optical make-up to help give high resolution results

with

minimal

distortion

and

chromatic aberrations. Samyang’s 85mm ED UMC CS is a manual focus lens for mirrorless APS-C sensor cameras, giving a 35mm format effective focal length of 135mm and 170mm with Micro Four Thirds. Priced at £319.99 and also in the shops this September, this compact and lightweight lens will be available in Canon EOS, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds and Sony E fittings. f/1.8

85mmf/1.8 EDUMCCS

intro2020.co.uk

Samsung’s storage solution

News in brief

The Portable SSD X5 is a solid state drive with Thunderbolt 3 offeringawritespeedof2300MB/s and a read speed of 2800MB/s – a 20GB file can be transferred in just 12 seconds. Afullmetalbody,shockresistant internal frame and ruggedhousing means it can withstand a drop of

two metres. Dynamic Thermal Guard technology and a heat sink help to avoid overheating. The Portable SSD X5 is available in 500GB, 1TB and 2TB sizes at £359.99, £629.99 and £1,249.99 respectively.

Lastolite’s instant old look

samsung.com/portable-ssd

Lastolite’s collapsible 1.5x2.1m background is Vintage Tobacco/Olive to give your shots an olde worlde feel. Both colours have a dark vignette to the edges for that timeless feel and the product can be used with Lastolite’s magnetic background support system. The Vintage Collapsible Tobacco/Olive background has a guide price of £180.95. latest

Newstereo book George Washington Wilson was an internationally renowned stereo photographer back in the mid-1800s. His work is celebrated in a new book by professor Roger Taylor with an introduction by Brian May. It costs £30.

manfrotto.co.uk/lastolite

londonstereo.com

Solar Technology's newbattery chargers

Solar Technology has added new battery chargers to its range. The CamCaddy 2 costs £24.99 and is a universal charging unit thanks to its sliding contacts. It comes with a USB connection lead and can be powered from a laptop, desktop or USB mains/car plug. The FREELOADER SiXER is a solar-powered charger and costs £69.99. This rugged unit can be attached to a bag or rucksack with supplied Velcro straps.

The Supercharger 5W costs £49.99, it features high density solar cells and operates in temperatures from -20°C to 60°C. You can buy the lot in an Off Grid Photographer bundle for only £135. The kit works together to recharge virtually every camera battery, regardless of the time of day.

Correction In last month’s Photo 24 contest results, we spelled David Sansom’s name incorrectly. Our apologies go to David for the error.

solartechnology.co.uk/

solar-chargers

Photography News | Issue 59 | photographynews.co.uk

News

Shh! Quiet – Leicaatwork The Leica M10-P is a full-frame rangefinder with a CMOS sensor giving a resolution of 24 megapixels. The M10-P is essentially theM10but with a newshuttermaking theM10-P the quietest digital M to date. Also new is a touch function for faster focus checking in live view and playback modes, more convenient browsing in review mode and fast access to key features. The M10-P body is on sale at £6500 with the option of either black or chrome finishes.

Screens fromPhilips

Philips has introduced three screens suitable for use by enthusiast and professional photographers that feature its latest technologies. The curved 328E9FJAB, priced at £229, has Quad UD resolution and gives crystal clear images. Its three-side frame suits multi-screen set-ups. The 272P7 VPTKEB and 328P6VJEB, priced at £599 and £469 respectively, both have Ultra Clear 4k resolution, the 272P7VPTKEB with a 27in screen and the 328P6VJEB with 32in, and equipped with UltraWide Color technology for a wider colour spectrum. If features is what you need the 272B7QUPBEB at £399 has enhanced connectivity including a USB-C docking featurewhileCrystalClearQuad HD gives great looking images.

uk.leica-camera.com

Colourmanagement for beginners

XP has introduced the X-Rite Colour starter kit that is aimed at newcomers to the dark art of colour management who want an accurate colour workflow but without spending a fortune. Distribution

The X-Rite ColorChecker Gray Balance card is a pocketable grey reference card and helps the camera to get the exposures spot on. The other half of the kit is the X-Rite ColorMunki Smile, aneasy-to-usemonitor display

calibration device. Free from technical complications, in a few mouse clicks the Smile allows users to get a colour accurate display. The kit is on sale for £89.

xpdistribution.com

Save on Datacolor kit Buy a Datacolor product, online or from a stockist, before 30 September and you can save up to £150. The products in this offer are Spyder5PRO, Spyder5ELITE, Spyde r 5CAP TUREPRO, Spyder5ELITE and SpyderCHECKR. By buying a qualifying Spyder product you also get a free 90 day Adobe Creative Cloud photography plan. Datacolor has also teamed up with Fujifilm Fotoservice Pro where you get a one-off 50% discount off premium print products with the purchase of a qualifying product. Find more details on these offers on the website.

philips.co.uk/c-m-so/

monitors

Lakeland glory

For the second year The Heart of the Lakes holiday cottage company is running a photo contest for 12 images to grace its 2019 calendar. The calendar will be hung at all of its 360 properties. The calendar theme is ‘The Lake District – Stunning in all seasons’. So feel free to submit any number of photographs highlighting spring, summer, autumn and winter – showcasing how beautiful the Lake District is across the year, with a particular focus on the areas around Ambleside, Buttermere, Keswick,Wasdale and Keswick. Closing date for entries is 10 November 2018 and entry is via the company’s website, address below. heartofthelakes.co.uk/ news/article/lake-district- photo-competition

datacolor.com

Threemore Befrees

Manfrotto’s Befree tripod series has been very popular and three more travel tripods have been added to the range. The Befree 2N1 (above left) is the most versatile. It is an all-in-one solution:soatripodoneinstantbutina few steps a leg detaches to give a robust monopod.

The aluminium2N1 is available in two versions, the Quick Power Lock (leg levers) and the M-lock (twist locks), and both sell for the same price, £199.95. TheBefreeNerissimoisanelegant, aluminium tripod with a matt black finish. It’s priced at £174.95 and will be in the shops in October.

Finally, there’s the Befree Live QPL. This tripod sells for £224.95 and offers the performance of the Befree Advanced combined with the fluidity of the Live head but with leg lever locks for image-makers who prefer them.

manfrotto.co.uk

Photography News | Issue 59 | photographynews.co.uk

Tell us your club’s latest news, email: clubnews@photography-news.co.uk

Clubs

Camera club news If your club has any news that you want to share with the rest of the world, this is the page for it. Your story might be about your club’s success in a contest, or a member’s personal achievements; it could be about a group outing you had recently or when the annual exhibition is on show. Any news is eligible for inclusion, so club publicity officers please take note of the submission guidelines (right) and get your stories in

Here’s how to submit

Deadline for the next issue: 28 September 2018

We need words and pictures by 28 September 2018 for the next issue of Photography News , which will be available from 8 October 2018. If you want to submit, follow these guidelines: y y Write your story in 250 words or fewer. Include the club’s website, meeting times, what the event is, opening times, entrance costs – anything relevant. y y We need an image for every story. JPEGs, 2000 pixels max on the longest dimension, any colour space, credits should be included in your text. y y We DO NOT use posters or images with words on the image front. y y Before the above deadline, attach the text document and JPEGs to an email and send to clubnews@photography-news.co.uk

Droitwich CC

Droitwich CC has an exciting programme of events lined up to cater for all tastes and abilities. There will be workshops on various photographic topics, a range of visiting speakers and also monthly competitions. In addition, the club organises regular days out for members where they can benefit from the knowledge of more experienced photographers. Dave Hull, publicity officer, says: “No matter what type of camera you use or what level of experience you have, you will receive a warm welcome at Droitwich CC and will

learn more about this very popular hobby.” TheclubmeetsMondays,8-10pm, Chawson Barn, NewChawson Lane, DroitwichWR9 0AQ. For further details visit droitwichcamera.co.uk or email publicity@droitwichcamera.co.uk Above Watching and Listening, by Droitwich CCmember Ric Harding, was awarded a GoldMedal by Smethwick PS in the 2018 Nature Print section.

Gloucester CC kicks off its new season with a new premises and newwebsite. The club now meets at Pineholt Village Hall, Hucclecote GL3 3SN. Gloucester’s exhibition runs from 20 to 27 October at St. John’s Church, Northgate Street, Gloucester. It is open daily from 10am till 4pm (except 21 October). St. John’s Church is right in the centre of Gloucester, not far from the famous docks. Entrance is free and members will be in attendance to talk about the images and hopefully encourage one or two visitors to join the club. GloucesterCC

Barking PS celebrates its 70th

membership ensuring interesting, informative and often humorous meetings. New members are always welcome. Meetings are on Thursdays at Eastbury Manor House, Eastbury Square, Barking, Essex IG11 9SN, starting at 7.30pm.

Barking PS’s first meeting saw an attendance of 57, and the objective of the society was to ‘Encourage the art of photography in all its aspects’. Over the years it has had visits by Lord Lichfield, Terence Donovan and David Bailey amongst others.

In its heyday there were 100 members and it was the club to beat in competitions. Membership is now down to 30, but all are highly committed members keepingtheoriginalobjectivealive. There’s a rich and varied range of favourite subjects amongst the

gloucestercameraclub.co.uk

barkingphotographicsociety. co.uk

Stafford PS member Judi Dicks scooped the prestigious Three Counties Open Photographic Exhibition 2018, sponsored byKeele University, Staffordshire, with her image ‘Rainy Day at Kew’. Along with a cash prize, there was also the opportunity to hold an exhibition at The Centre Space Gallery, Spode Museum, Stoke-on- Trent. This was held in August. Proceeds from print sales and cash donations were given to a local charity, The Donna Louise Trust. Stafford PS

Eastbourne PS

Eastbourne PS is a vibrant group and during a packed season will have practical sessions on Friday club nights, inspirational speakers and competitions, plus Tuesday workshops on a range of topics. On 24 November, the club is hosting an afternoon with David Noton who will be showing some of his photography, described by BBC Wildlife magazine as ‘a collection of jaw-droppingly beautiful views of some of the most spectacular places on earth’. Tickets are available through Eventbrite or events@ epscameraclub.co.uk

Loughton CC meets in the Lopping Hall, Loughton 1G10 4LF, every Wednesday, 8pm to 10pm. There’s a varied programme, including talks by visiting speakers, competitions and workshop evenings. A small studio group meets at intervals throughout the year. Loughton CC’s annual exhibition takes place in the Loughton Library, Traps Hill, Essex IG10 1HD, from 28 October to 24 November and entry is free. LoughtonCC

Stafford every Tuesday at the Northfield Centre, Stafford, from 7.30 until 10pm. PS meets

Members £2, non-members £3.50.

staffordphotosociety.org.uk

Knaresborough CC

visual. We want to continue to attract new members by creating a friendly environment where photographers can simply enjoy their hobby or take it further.” The group meets at 7.45pm on Wednesdays at Chain Lane Community Centre, Knaresborough HG5 0AS.

Knaresborough CC programme has something for everyone. Club chair Phil Robbins said: “Our programme has been created by our members. A range of practical evenings will feature back-to-basics camera technique, how to produce photo books and how to prepare audio

knaresboroughcameraclub. blogspot.com

loughtoncameraclub.org.uk

epscameraclub.co.uk

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